2015 Top 20 Under 20™ award recipient Lauren Reid , 18

Ontario

After realizing that wind turbines are idle up to 80% of the time because they require a wind speed of 14 kph, significantly greater than the median speed of 7-10 kph, Lauren came up with a new blade design that allows the turbine to function in wind speeds as low as 3.5 kph. This technology would allow the world’s 90,000 wind turbines to generate clean electricity over 95% of the time and reduce emissions by millions of pounds per day. In 2014, Lauren started her school’s first science fair, which offered workshops and awards. The winners in the first year were female music students, who went on to become finalists at the national level.

About Plan International

Founded in 1937, Plan International is one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, Plan International strives for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.